Election Day Alcohol Sales in Iowa: What’s Legal and What’s Not

It's Election Day in America! While millions of Americans have already voted, it's still the day most Americans will cast a vote in national, and local elections.

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Here's something I bet you did not know, in some states, it's illegal to sell (or purchase) alcohol on Election Day.

Sounds crazy, right? It's a day we associate with irresponsibility. Well, unless you're opposed to specific candidates, I suppose.

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So, can you legally buy alcohol today in Iowa? And why is in banned in some places?

Alcohol on Election Day: Legal in Iowa?

The short answer is... yes. You can both purchase and consume booze on Election Day here in the Hawkeye State. But, there are several states where you cannot, at least purchase, alcohol today.

States where it's prohibited include South Carolina and Kentucky. But not long ago, there were many more.

In 2008, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Utah, and West Virginia also had bans on selling alcohol on Election Day.

However, these bans were lifted ahead of the 2012 election.

So why is, or was temperance the way to go in multiple U.S. states on this day for so long?

The concept is simple and noble, though pretty outdated. The idea was that alcohol could be used to sway an undecided voter.

While many states had a law on the books, I could not find any evidence Iowa ever did. Perhaps in varied by county at one time. But there doesn't appear to be anything in stone about a ban.

Whether you plan to pour one back later, or even before you vote, you should, if you haven't already, VOTE.

Need more info, visit the Secretary of State's website.

Need a drink? Check out our best dive bars!